Cataract is a condition known as a disease that occurs more frequently in the elderly worldwide. It is characterized by the clouding of the lens inside the eye, leading to a blurry appearance, and if left untreated, it can cause blindness.
The main causes of cataracts:
- Insufficient and unhealthy nutrition
- Vitamin deficiency
- Unhealthy water and hygiene issues
- Desert sand and ultraviolet rays hitting the eye
- Inability to access healthcare services due to financial difficulties
- Lack of health centers and shortage of doctors
- Congenital cataracts
- Head and eye injuries
- Aging
Why is cataract so common in Africa?
In Africa, due to hot weather, poor nutrition, and climatic conditions, many people lose their vision at a young age due to cataracts. When combined with the lack of eye doctors and treatment facilities, especially in rural areas, many patients are condemned to live in darkness without the possibility of surgery.
- 1% of Africa's 1.05 billion population is blind.
- Half of the 10 million blind people in Africa suffer from cataracts.
- In Africa, only one in every 2,000 people with cataracts can receive treatment. In some African countries, this rate is even lower.
- Worldwide, 18 million people have cataracts, and the vast majority of cataract patients live in developing countries.
How is cataract treated?
Cataract treatment is surgical; there is no other form of treatment.
When is cataract surgery performed?
Cataract surgery is necessary if the patient's level of vision is insufficient to meet their needs, if cataracts have developed due to an eye infection, or if the cataract is increasing the patient's eye pressure.
How is cataract surgery performed?
Cataract surgery is performed using the modern cataract surgery method known as the PHACO method or a surgical procedure. The process in cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.
As the Valide Association, with the support of our charitable donors, we arrange surgeries for our brothers and sisters, helping them escape from darkness. You can also contribute financially, and together with your donations, we can fight against cataracts. With a simple surgery, we can bring light to the eyes of thousands of our brothers and sisters.
